The Oasis Affirmation of Welcome (Congregations may adopt this text or develop their own ) We believe that all people are worthy of respect and honor, because all are created in the image of God, and all can respond to the love of God. In our baptismal vows, we commit ourselves, with God's help, to seek and serve Christ in all persons by loving our neighbors as ourselves, respecting the dignity of every human being, and striving for justice and peace among all people. Yet we see that because of the homophobia in our churches and in society, gay and lesbian people are not always counted among those for whom the church seeks justice or grants due respect as loving and beloved members of the household of God. We recognize that the fear of and discrimination against gay and lesbian people is part of an oppressive history within the church and society which distorts our relationship with God and with other people and diminishes the humanity of our lesbian sisters and gay brothers. Therefore, we feel compelled to make explicit our welcome of lesbians and gay men into the ministry and membership of this congregation, incarnating the message, "The Episcopal Church welcomes you." We encourage gay and lesbian people to participate in all aspects of the ministry of this church by bearing witness to Christ, according to the gifts given them; carrying on Christ's work of reconciliation to the world; and taking their place in the life, worship, and governance of the church. Where we see divisions created by homophobia and heterosexism, we will seek, with God's help, to be a place of reconciliation, offering a love that casts out all fear. Where we see injustice and ignorance, we will offer our ministry of advocacy and education, trusting the Spirit to lead us all into truth. | 
